Yankees Urged to Re-Sign Polarizing All-Star: ‘Fans Will Likely Hate This’
The New York Yankees have some big decisions to make this winter.
The front office will have to decide how much it is really willing to pay Juan Soto to return, as the superstar slugger seems poised to receive top-dollar offers from any number of competing clubs. And the team also faces questions for a number of critical everyday positions, including at first base after it decided to decline veteran Anthony Rizzo’s $17 million option.
But one of the most pressing areas of the roster this winter will be the bullpen. The Yankees have been linked to some elite closer options, including the Milwaukee Brewers’ Devin Williams. And with the team’s fluctuating relief stable in mind, Phillip Martinez of SNY urged the Yankees to reunite with free agent Clay Holmes despite a rollercoaster of a 2024 season.
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“You may be surprised, and Yankees fans will likely hate this, but bringing back Holmes is the play,” Martinez wrote. “For the right price, Holmes to set up (Luke) Weaver just feels right and will help solidify a bullpen that could potentially lose Tommy Kahnle, Tim Hill, and Lou Trivino to free agency.”
Holmes had an up-and-down 2024 season to say the least. For much of the campaign, Holmes was one of the best relievers in baseball, serving as a true shutdown closer and earning the second All-Star nod of his career.
From mid-June to mid-September, though, Holmes saw his ERA balloon to 5.46 as he blew 10 saves over the stretch. He was moved to a middle-relief role and seemed to find his footing, though he gave up three earned runs with a 10.13 ERA in the Yankees’ postseason series with the Cleveland Guardians.
He didn’t do himself any contract favors as he was heading into free agency, but he could find himself back with the Yankees if he’s willing to accept a relatively light contract.
“The Yankees should only bring Holmes back if he’s willing to take a short-term deal to be a middle reliever — that’s it,” Martinez added. “Holmes has proven that he can be valuable for this team, but under the right circumstances. Give him a clean inning in the seventh or eighth and he’ll flourish as we saw oftentimes once he moved out of the closer’s role.”
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